This paper discusses "Philosophy: Who Needs It" by Ayn Rand, a fiction writer, historian, and a rebellious philosopher who dared to attack philosophical ideas presented by established thinkers like Kant and Kurt.
Abstract This paper explains that the book is all about individualism, something that has been termed a hallmark of Rand. The author points out that the book was published posthumously by her student, Leonard Peikoff, and contains a collection of eighteen articles, the majority of which had appeared in "The Ayn Rand Letters". The paper concludes that Rand proved, through this book, that philosophy needs to not impress people, but is something that is very essential to understanding of one's actions and deeds in life.
From the Paper "Rand spent her 76 years of life preaching fundamentals of reason, truth and freedom and at her funeral; Dr. Piekoff said that she had changed the course of history. She has been subject of some condemnation too by staunch supporters of philosophers whom she argued against. Her Russian identity was linked to her "mind behind the Iron Curtain" and such terms but she has lived through it all, gaining acclamation from virtually all quarters of the U.S.."
Abstract This paper studies Ayn Rand's dystopian novel "Anthem". The book is written as the journal of Equality 7 2521, a man struggling with his individuality, his will and his concepts of good and evil. The paper details the book's plot line, which is based on Equality's long and arduous -- though ultimately triumphant -- journey of self discovery. The paper shows how Equality overcame guilt, deprivation, punishment, banishment and betrayal and in the process formulated his own definitions of truth, freedom and love.
From the Paper "Ayn Rand's Anthem is a dystopian story written in the form of a journal kept by Equality 7 2521, a man born to an oppressive, backwards collective state set in a bleak unnamed place and time. This society, whose most recent technological advance is candlelight encourages conformity and drudgery and suppresses individuality and progress. Here, friendship and love, curiosity and creativity, and any display of self will or preference is punishable in the Palace of Corrective Detention. The punishment for swiping candles, alone, is ten years detention. In this world, there is no encouragement or even concept of self. "There is no transgression blacker than to do or think alone." Individuals refer to themselves as "we" and to other individuals as "they." In fact, the word "I," is not known to most, and to speak this word is the worst possible transgression. "There is no crime punished by death in this world, save this one crime of speaking the Unspeakable Word.'"
Abstract This paper deals with how Ayn Rands? two main characters in her novella, "Anthem", compare to the Greek Gods which they got their names from. It includes detailed information about the myths of Gaea and Prometheus and a general outline of the novella, "Anthem". The paper explains why Ayn Rand chose the names of the two Greek Gods for her characters. The paper includes two pictures of the gods Prometheus and Gaea.
From the Paper "In her novella, Anthem, Ayn Rand chose the names of two very popular and important Gods from ancient Greek myths for the names of her two main characters, Equality 7-2521 also known as Prometheus or the Unconquered, and Liberty 5-3000, also known as Gaea or the Golden One. Prometheus, the Greek God, was known as "The Rebel God". He was the wisest Titan and the son of Iapetus and Klymene. His name means "forethought", because he was able to foretell the future."
Abstract This paper explains that the protagonists in Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" are industrial geniuses, such as Dagny Taggart and great minds, such as Francisco D'Anconia, who are fighting against a society that doesn't want them but desperately needs them; the society and the government are the antagonists. The author points out that this book is about losing to win, which is a philosophy created by Ayn Rand, displayed by her characters and called objectivism, a system where each individual strives to be the best they can be and to profit themselves. The paper relates that feminists, who are sympathetic with the themes of Rand's literary work, say that Rand has created a rare female character, Dagny Taggart, on a par with any folk hero or medieval knight, but even sympathetic feminist readers have difficulty with Rand's seeming to define her female characters in terms of their relationships to their male counterparts as a derivative or dependent, if not subordinate.
From the Paper "For the adult Dagny, there are few men (individuals) in the world to whom she could submit or subordinate herself. As John Galt is following her into the long, dark, abandoned, granite tunnel of Taggart Transcontinental Railroad, Dagny chants to herself, "You will follow me." These words silently spoken are more a claim of right than a prayer, more a demand than a wish. Sensing that she is being followed, she moves even faster into the darkness, pulse beating rapidly, but unafraid. And then, despite Galt's "leashed intensity," the "harshness of his lips...down the line of her throat, leaving a trail of bruises and his elbow knocking her head aside," with "her teeth sinking into the flesh of his arm," there is less surrender than "worship of him.""
Abstract Objectivism is the philosophy of Ayn Rand. This philosophy has been the butt of criticism since its conception. This paper reviews and refutes the misconceptions of the philosophy widely held by most critics. It covers such issues as the morality of ethical egoism, criticisms of the media and criticisms of Ayn Rand's closest friends.
From the Paper "A major criticism of Objectivism is the idea that basing morality on self-interest is impractical (Bass). It is understandable that this concept receives criticism. It directly opposes all traditional philosophies, which are altruistic. However, the reasoning behind Rand's idea more than supports her views. The sole basis for Objectivism is that the individual's ultimate value is his life. This idea is perfectly logical. If an individual has nothing in life, he still has his life. If an individual does not have life, he is nothing. With this in mind, basing thought on self-interest is far more logical than self-sacrifice (altruism)."
Abstract The paper presents the views of Ayn Rand and Thomas Hobbes in regard to their argument in support of ethical egoism and points out the ways that their argument differ. This essay argues that the argument of Thomas Hobbes in this regard is considerably stronger as the Hobbesian approach and concedes the existence of important qualifications to pure egoism that the argument of Ayn Rand in this regard does not.
From the Paper "Egoism: A Critical Inquiry While both Ayn Rand and Thomas Hobbes present arguments in support of ethical egoism, these arguments differ in a number of key respects. This essay will argue that the argument of Thomas Hobbes in this regard is considerably stronger as the Hobbesian approach concedes the existence of important qualifications to pure egoism that the argument of Ayn Rand in this regard does not. As will be seen, the approach of Hobbes is notably stronger than that of Rand in dealing with the challenges of both the publicity argument and the paradox of egoism although, in the case of the latter, the challenge to ethical egoism will be shown to be minimal."
Abstract This paper examines the book "Atlas Shrugged", by Ayn Rand, which depicts the interplay of two forces-- regulated economic freedom and free-market system. The philosophy and the practical stances of both the schools of thought within the context of events that occur in the book are discussed.
From the Paper "Atlas Shrugged is a fictional account, which depicts the causes, the results, and the ultimate connotations attached to the moral and philosophical self-destruction that the mankind, in general, is slipping into in a gradual fashion. The most significant cause and hence the philosophy behind this moral decadence is the lack of belief in the morality of self-interest. And the vehicle through which this is perpetuated is the governmental control featuring diminishing economic freedom. Therefore the plot of Atlas Shrugged revolves around diminishing economic freedom resulting in intellectual stagnation. However there exists an opposing force that provides a directly opposite plan of action with a directly opposite belief system. Those belonging to this school of thought are intellectual and highly capable, rebelling against a society that preaches altruism, a society that teaches struggling victims that sacrifices for the sake of others is proper and moral, a society that indoctrinates its youth with a vicious, destructive skepticism. In this society, need is the most important claim to virtue, and so the most productive, capable men are forced into virtual enslavement by a vicious code of directives intended to eliminate all economic class distinctions."
Tags: economics, free-market, self-destruction, society, morality, government
Abstract The title of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" represents the major theme of the novel, which is to detail what happens to the world when the best of men can no longer exist in it. The "Atlas" of the title is the character John Galt, the hero of the novel. This paper compares the Atlas of Greek mythology with John Galt and examines the significance of the reference with the political message of the novel.
From the Paper "To look at Galt and his role in holding up the world, it is now necessary to consider exactly what Galt represents. While Galt is one man, he also represents all the thinking men of the world. He is the perfect man, the ideal man who fights to save the world. This is akin to the brave warrior who saves the world by battling enemies, except Galt fights with his mind. His fight is against society itself and a political system that encourages capitalism and rejects the individual. Galt describes himself saying, "I am the man who loves his life. I am the man who does not sacrifice his love or his values" (Rand 936)."
Tags: greek, mythology, world, heaven, decision, society
Abstract This paper discusses the life and work of the author Ayn Rand and makes a parallel between her background in communist Russia and her philosophy of objectivism. It show how Rand's works and ideals were the product of opposition to her background and homeland's philosophies by analysis of the themes in her novels "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged".
From the Paper "These concepts of total equality and selflessness are what Ayn Rand despised and fought with her concept of objectivism. Objectivism is Rand's most lauded philosophy; it is Rand's belief that all universal concepts can be explained rationality, neither being received by mystic forces nor created by the human mind (Baker 95). This train of thought conveys three arguments that are ever visible in Rand's writings: individualism versus collectivism, egoism versus altruism, and reason versus mysticism ("Overview" online). Rand embraces the former of each in her two most renowned novels, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged."
Abstract This paper asserts that the govenmental ideal of capitalism from the philosophy of John Stuart Mill upon which the United States is based closely parallels the modern controversial assertions of Objectivist ethics and Ayn Rand. The paper Uses evidence from "On Liberty" and "Virtue of Selfishness" to suggest that the ideals of Objectivism were evident in Mill's philosophy a century before Objectivism was a complete thought.
From the Paper "The two texts also parallel on their references to the exchange of ideas and interpersonal relationships between individuals. In Selfishness, Rand asserts that ?The principle of trade is the only rational ethical principle for all human relationships, personal and social, private and public, spiritual and material (Rand, 29),? meaning that one cannot, first of all, give of oneself unselfishly, expecting nothing in return, and second, only take what we can from others, not giving anything in return. The ideal man she describes is a trader; one who exchanges his expertise for things that he lacks, and vice versa."
Tags: altruism, capitalism, faire, fountainhead, laissez, selfishness, stuart
Abstract This paper explores the themes of hunger and poverty in "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck and "Anthem" by Ayn Rand. It compares the authors' views on the subject and shows that while Steinbeck would choose to clothe the poor and feed the hungry, Rand feels that it is a person's choice to be in a state of poverty.
From the Paper "This attitude was expressed well in her short novel Anthem. To appreciate Anthem, it is necessary to realize the context against which it was written. The United States was firmly entrenched in New Deal philosophies and social programs to aid the unemployed. Rand, who moved to America in the 1920s, had spent the first years of her life in Communist Russia, where she had grown up with the revolution, and its ideas of collectivism.
She found these distasteful, as she found the growing socialism in America distasteful. She saw great danger in the idea of the "one-ness of mankind." When she wrote Anthem, therefore, she set it in a modern advanced society of the future, one in which great collective goals had been achieved. No one was hungry and no one was sick. The government took care of everything. As you read the book, however, you realize that you do not see the word "I" used. Everyone is addressed as "you" and "we" and "us.""
Abstract This paper examines how the life and literary work of Russian emigres draws upon a very distinct Russian tradition of intellectuals in exile and how both the Russian Empire and Soviet Union had many exiles, both inside the empire and outside it. It looks at how many of those that left voluntarily early in their lives such as Vladimir Nabokov, Boris Pasternak, and Ayn Rand, reflected the sentiments of those that were later forced into political exile, which include Brodsky, Solzhenitsyn and Sakhalov. In particular, it focuses on Nabokov's cohort of Russian emigres to Europe and America.
From the Paper "Nabokov was a native of Saint Petersburg, which at the time of his childhood dominated Russian culture as it had been the home of the Czar and represented not only the seat of the Russian government but also its connection to the commerce of the west. Nabokov, like Rand and other emigres who grew up in Piter during the aughts and teens, was a child of privilege who vacationed in the Crimea and in continental Europe; in many respects he was similar to the upper middle class that one finds today in Moscow. Nabokov grew up in a wealthy suburb of St. Petersburg; at that time, small villages like Vyra and Tsarsky Celo had regular rail service to the center of town. He was taught by private tutors and spoke several languages from a very early age."
Abstract Starts out with a contrast of society's "ideal man" and Rand's man. Explains the influence of her upbringing and Communist Russia on her desired attributes of said man. Details obsession with portraying this man in all her writings. Discusses traits of creator: originator, "black or white" mentality, perfectionist, egoist, selfishness, individualist, atheist, requirement of suffering. Also touches on whether a woman can be an ideal "man", according to Rand's definition, and discusses, briefly, the rape scene.
From the Paper "If one does a search for "ideal man" on any web-based search engine, the majority of the webpage links returned describe physical qualities or list one of a number of celebrities. A recent survey to compile the most important characteristics returned the following attributes: "The ideal man is taller; athletic/toned build; hairless face and chest; medium butt and lips; blue eyes; short brown straight hair; with piercings - but depends where; and without tattoos" (Purple Tights). Now add just a single word to that search, ?Rand,? and the result changes dramatically. The web pages that are returned are primarily focused on the mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of a person. Ayn Rand was obsessed with the ?ideal man.? In her book The Fountainhead, the protagonist, Howard Roark, is Rand's vision of this ideal man. While Rand makes good arguments for her view of the idyllic man, there are several characteristics that alienate him from the rest of humanity and make his existence unrealistic, and more likely impossible. She has created an archetype, a superhero of sorts. And every superhero has at least one weakness. Though Rand may not classify them as weaknesses, they definitely affect his ability to interact with the society in which he lives."
Abstract This paper explains that, in Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," all of the novel's heroes believe in the primacy of individualism and capitalism. The author points out that the villains of "Atlas Shrugged" attempt to control the flow of capital and of creativity by creating a socialist state in which the greatest thinkers and entrepreneurs stifle their natural inclinations. The paper concludes that the chaos, which takes place throughout the course of the novel, illustrates Rand's thesis that money is the root of good, not evil, and that state-controlled industry is the ultimate affront to the human mind and human potential.
From the Paper "For example, John Galt, the statuesque hero of Atlas Shrugged, creates the "strike of the mind" in response to the government's attempt to usurp the free flow of capital and ideas. His name reflects the centrality of money to the novel's theme: Galt sound similar to gelt, a slang term of German and Yiddish origin denoting money. The meaning of Galt's name is underscored by his heroic stature. The protagonist of Atlas Shrugged, Dagny Taggart, also upholds the book's central theme of the beneficence of money."
Abstract This brief paper examines the tone of individualism, which is expressed through imagery and word choice in the book, "Anthem," by Ayn Rand. The paper also refers to issues of individualism from everyday life, such as man versus government and man versus society.
From the Paper "With this dictating system, morals and ethics are recessive qualities that men do not even know exist. Rand expresses the Deep Loss of Moral Rights Imagery through the basic system in which the people live, for they are "one" in all and "all" in one (RAND 19). This explains that there are "no men" but only the great "WE," which ironically happens to be "one" and "indivisible" (RAND 19). Everyone views everyone as a whole: no individualism, conceited perspectives, or even self-pride."
